Stempniak sees Rangers as fit for his game

"The thing that stands out to me from that series -- as well as their great run last spring -- is just how resilient the Rangers are," the forward told Blueshirts United in a story published Friday. "That and the fact that Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best, if not the best, goaltenders in the world. ... They also have great depth, got contributions from everyone. I'm looking forward to joining them."

Stempniak signed with New York as a free agent on July 19 after playing 21 regular-season games and 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games following a trade from the Calgary Flames.

The Eastern Conference champion Rangers will be his sixth NHL team.

"For me I have always loved playing in New York," the 31-year-old said. "I have a lot of friends from college (Dartmouth) that live there; and there is just an aura at the Garden, a really cool atmosphere to play the game."

"The style of play [the Rangers] play is well-suited to my game, and I think I can contribute, come in and help the team win games," he said. "I think this is a really good opportunity for me. I feel like this is a good fit for me.

"For me I try and skate and use my speed, get in on the forecheck, attack off the rush; speed is key to my game. But I also play hard, have a strong work ethic, and look to play a 200-foot game. That should fit in with this team's style, I hope."